Universal Studios Wins Award for 'Dragon' Float

Universal Studios scored a winner with its first-ever float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena.

The Universal City entertainment company won the Showmanship Award for its float depicting characters in the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie franchise from its DreamWorks Animation subsidiary.

Artistic Entertainment Services, in Azusa, built the float that contained 5,000 roses, 8,000 carnations and thousands of additional mums, orchids and other flowers.

“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” was the first float ever presented by Universal in the annual parade down Colorado Boulevard.

Chris deFaria, president of DreamWorks Feature Animation Group, said appearing in the parade takes the film and its characters from the big screen to the center of a cherished New Year’s Day celebration.

“This extraordinary float is a testament to DreamWorks’ artists and engineers,” deFaria said in a statement. “Bringing Astrid and Hiccup to life alongside Toothless and a dozen other fantastic dragons, it allows worldwide audiences to share our memorable characters and their timeless story.”